NANTWICH'S famous Wildlife Animal Hospital at Stapeley Grange could be axed as part of the RSPCA'S nationwide cost-cutting drive.

The charity has confirmed the centre is under review, along with its other animal hospitals in Norfolk and Somerset as part of its continuing restructuring programme. Redundancies have been offered to members of the workforce.

The centre employs a deputy manager, two veterinary surgeons, an administrator, two part-time secretaries, six veterinary nurses, a maintenance man and nine wildlife assistants.

In a statement yesterday the RSPCA said: 'The decision earlier this year by the RSPCA's ruling council to cut expenditure across the society, has provided the opportunity to analyse the effectiveness of the wildlife hospitals and how best to secure the successful rehabilitation of injured animals in the future.'

The charity says that a 'dedicated welfare service' for animals will continue at all three centres and that, as yet, no final decision has been made as to any new management structure or any potential redundancies.

It adds that a further announcement will follow at the conclusion of negotiations with staff and the union Amicus.

The property, a former private residence, was bequeathed in her will to the RSPCA nine years ago by Mrs Cynthia Zur-Nedden, on condition that it was used as an animal hospital.

Aston man John Parkin, who was an executor and trustee to Mrs Zur-Nedden, stressed: 'The property does not belong to the RSPCA for them to do anything they like with it.

'Mrs Zur-Nedden was a great animal lover and always maintained that after her death her home should be passed to the RSPCA for them to use as an animal hospital, and I sincerely hope it is retained for that use.'

An employee, who did not want to be named, told the Chronicle: 'Redundancies have been offered to some members of staff, but no-one really seems to know what is going on. Everything seems to be up in the air at the moment.'